Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has announced an expansion of its mainland China network with five new routes and 28 weekly flights, marking one of the airline’s largest single-market increases in recent years.
The airline will operate services from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), Hangzhou (HGH) and Shenzhen (SZX). The additions bring Etihad’s total operation in mainland China to 35 weekly flights across six destinations, alongside its existing daily service to Beijing Daxing (PKX).
All services will be operated using Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, configured with 28 Business and 262 Economy seats.
Etihad Airways to operate 35 weekly flights to China across six destinations
The increase in capacity reflects the importance of the UAE–China corridor, with the airline seeking to strengthen links across trade, tourism and investment. The expansion positions Abu Dhabi as a gateway between China and markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.
The network will increase the movement of passengers and goods between the two countries, while expanding access to China’s commercial, industrial and technology centres. It also strengthens cargo connectivity across manufacturing and export hubs, supporting supply chains and trade flows.
All routes will form part of Etihad’s joint venture with China Eastern Airlines. The joint venture provides services across gateways, with China Eastern currently operating routes between Shanghai, Kunming and Xi’an and the UAE.
The expansion is also supported by Etihad’s cargo joint venture with SF Airlines, strengthening air freight connectivity and supporting the movement of goods across trade corridors between China and markets worldwide.
“The ties between the UAE and China continue to flourish, with today’s announcement reflecting the enduring strength and growing promise of our cooperation. The expanded network, made possible by our long-standing partnership with China Eastern, connects unique tourism destinations with burgeoning trading hubs, delivering shared and lasting economic prosperity and value to our people,” Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways said in a statement.
“China is a strategically important market for Etihad and a key pillar of our network growth. This expansion represents a significant increase in capacity and a clear signal of our long-term commitment to the market. By adding five new destinations and increasing frequencies, we are strengthening connectivity across one of the world’s most important economic corridors. This will support growing demand for travel and trade, while creating new opportunities for cargo, business and tourism. At the same time, we are strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a key destination and gateway for travel and trade, supporting the emirate’s long-term economic ambitions,” Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways added.
Five destinations serve distinct roles
Each of the five destinations plays a role within China’s economic and cultural landscape:
- Shanghai Pudong (PVG) – a financial centre and international cargo hub
- Guangzhou (CAN) – a manufacturing and trade gateway in southern China
- Chengdu (TFU) – an innovation and technology hub in western China
- Hangzhou (HGH) – a centre for the digital economy and e-commerce
- Shenzhen (SZX) – a technology hub and export market
| Route | Destination | Frequency (weekly) | Launch Date |
| AUH – PVG | Shanghai Pudong | 7 | October 1, 2026 |
| AUH – CAN | Guangzhou | 7 | March 4, 2027 |
| AUH – HGH | Hangzhou | 5 | March 4, 2027 |
| AUH – SZX | Shenzhen | 5 | March 7, 2027 |
| AUH – TFU | Chengdu | 4 | March 5, 2027 |
